Testimonials

kelvin sewell

Hi Peter,

Its the south island east coast salmon fisher here.

I spoke to you and said I was keen to trailer my boat to Tutukaka , Northland, NZ.
Well after 24hrs of driving we made it to Toots. I was there for just under a month but only had 9 or so days on the water due to big seas and terrible weather. I followed exactly what you told me to in your chat session and in your videos. For the 9 days we had 2 hook ups and caught and released 2 striped marlin. For a rank beginner I was stoked. many thanks.

Kelvin.

Joe David

Please make sure Peter reads this. Took my witch doctor and the rest of the lures I purchased from you and ran them as recommended. I was very critical about their exact position. My wife and I along with my captain fished no more than 30 miles from La Paz, BCS. We fished very hard and steady and in 8 days had recorded these results which can be verified by photos. We raised 20+ stripe marlin. Coming into the spread in 1-4 at a time with several double hookups. We eventually were able to catch and release 17. More importantly in an area that has not been friendly over the past 5 years. In addition we raised about 12-15 blue marlin. We hooked and brought to the boat 8. Smallest estimated weight of 125 lbs and the largest was a measured weight of 441 lbs., which was tail wrapped and died prior to betting it in. All others were successfully releases with no injuries to them or us. Most were in about 250 lbs with two others being big at an estimated of over 350 and the other slightly larger at possibly 400. We ran all of the lures, colors and position as you recommended. We did include the Mexican Patrolero out of respect for my captain who was in the state of shock when after 3 days it did not get a hit. It was being run in the shotgun position and even I was surprised. My wife didn't care...she was reading her book and only responded when summoned to clear lines and the witchdoctor. We also won a small tournament that included 8 pangas and had a blast. Never have we done this good. I just wanted to let you know that the lures worked flawlessly and out performed everything else. I have no less than 100 lures on the boat and only used 7. I will be ordering the shredder today if for no other reason than I don't have one. This is not a fishing story and if you would like some photos of the lumo sprocket on the big blue send me your email address. People were actually following us around and I even have photos of that. Thanks so much. Take care. 3MJ

joe david

Peter Pakula,
Whoever receives this please forward it to Peter.
I have been fishing the Sea of Cortez between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas for the past 15-20 years. I currently own a 58 Donzi sports fisher. I don’t claim to be an expert like yourself but have caught my share of marlin. I have good fishing equipment, wear good sun glasses and cheap clothing.
For the past 6 years I have taken my two youngest grandsons fishing to Mexico. Just grandpa and two grandsons…no one else allowed. It’s obviously a highlight I love, as do they. Now that they are 12 and 13 years old they are able to help with the fishing.
I have never written to anyone regarding their product either pro or con. I am sending you this letter in hopes it puts a smile on your face knowing that you contributed to a grandpa and two grandkids having a very successful annual fishing trip using your lures and suggestions.
My boat is loaded down with the standard fishing equipment i.e. rods, reels, fishing line, lures, teasers, dredges, and other must have necessary equipment. (My wife of 45 years just doesn’t understand…but has given up)
I’m not sure how, but one day while using the internet I came across a film of you explaining the “Witch Doctor”. (I am a huge fan of teasers). I also liked the way you made up your hooks. Simple, yet very practical. Not sure I fully understand the 60 degree offset of the hooks but I’ll figure it out. I of course ordered the Witch Doctor directly from you rather than a copycat version, along with a host of other much needed equipment. My wife had to help me as I have never placed an on line order in my life.
About a week or so later your stuff arrived and I packed it up and headed south to my boat with both grandsons. Hurricane Blanca was passing through and so the ports were closed and we kept busy with preparation until they opened on Tuesday.
Overall fishing was slow so we headed south. On June 11, while fishing near the south end of Island Cerralvo, with the Witch Doctor and other lures of yours, along with two proven teasers and the infamous Mexican Petrolero lure that is probably number one in our collection. My Captain and I witnessed two stripe Marlin come into the pattern and come between the witch Doctor and the rear of the boat. They circled the Witch Doctor as if trying to figure it out! Reminded me of curious porpoise. It was obvious to anyone and everyone that they were checking out the Witch Doctor!!! One of the marlin eventually hit on your famous green lumo sprokett. My Mexican Captain was in complete shock and his feelings were hurt as the marlin had bypassed his Mexican Petrolero. On June 12 this exact same thing happened once again! The marlin did not appear to be attacking the Witch Doctor but only curious…..again they passed up the infamous Mexican Petrolero for the green lumo sprokett. ( side note…not the same two marlin). Obviously the witch doctor drew them into the pattern. Fortunately for them we are a catch and release gang.
In all my years, I have never seen marlin so curious about anything. Thank you.
Since I have purchased the Witch Doctor and other stuff from you I have noticed similar products being sold elsewhere. Before passing away my Dad told me the best form of flattery is to be copied. However, It does become upsetting at times to see others make a profit from something you have developed and sincerely believe in. Some people will buy the copied version and maybe it is good. I don’t know and I don’t care…I’ll pay the extra to support the right people.
Just thought I would let you know.
3 MJ

Jamie Burke

Pakula lure wow and wow again. Love using these skirt. The take the reel spinning. The fight wow

Michael Lassen

Hey mate I'm Michael Lassen from the SCGFC and I joined half way through the season and I have a pakula addiction. There the only skirts I run in my spread. The quality and results are incredible. My total for this season finished on total from when i joined last season: blacks: 21 sails: 6 Dolly's: 12 spainards: 11 yellow fin : 8 wahoo; 4 and 90% of that was on your skirts. The boys are teaching me a bit of live baiting these days and I'm really keen to keep improving my fishing. But just letting you know how great your skirts are and really impressed with your product. I got first billfish for the club this season and I'm going to enter my first tournament in October. If around you should come up.

Adam Voss - Fiji

FROM FIJI

Bula to the Pakula team. I think you have done a great job with the new web site. I have just made another on line order and it is a much improved experience. Again well done and keep up the great tackle and service.

Kevin Harrison - Texas

I'm new to fishing the Gulf of Mexico, been a bay fisherman. A friend of mine asked a friend of his, who has won tournaments all over the world, what kind of lures I should use. He said the only lure I need is the Lumo Sprocket head. Sure enough the first time I went out, I muddled around trying to figure out what I was doing and they worked great. Thanks again, Kevin

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6. Fighting Fish: Scenarios

Between The Lines - Ch: 12 Fighting Fish

Following are several scenarios that are quite common plus several points that are relevant to fighting fish that may help:

The Initial Run

The line will follow the course the fish takes. If the fish goes in a straight line so will the line and if the fish changes direction the line will follow the curve.

How closely the track of the line follows the fish depends on how much drag is applied. The lower the drag setting, and the faster the fish is going, the more the line will follow the course of the fish. (Fig 1)

On low drag settings a fulcrum may form, in fact several may form. This is where the line dramatically changes direction at a sharp angle. (Fig 2) There is a danger of breaking the line from sheer water pressure on the line. A sign that a fulcrum has formed is the fish seems to suddenly accelerate as the fulcrum acts as a pulley.

To reduce the effects of the pulley increase drag to around 50 percent and raise the rod tip high to lift as much line out of the water as possible.

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Note that when the reel is set to a third the initial strain on the line breaking the spool inertia is over 50 percent. As long as the spool is turning on a fish's run, it is quite safe to increase drag. You'll note a sudden decrease in what seems to be the speed of the fish, which is really the line beginning to take a more direct line with the fish. (Fig 3) As soon as the spool stops, back the drag off to 33 percent.

At the other end of the line the position of the leader and line is dictated by the thickness of the leader and line relative to the fish's speed and drag pressure. At high speed the leader will lay along the length of the fish regardless of line and leader thickness. At slower speeds, the thinner the line and leader and the higher the drag pressure the more direct the line will be to the angler. (Fig 4)

Chasing Fish

After the initial runs the line follows the course the fish takes and is rarely in a straight line between the angler and fish. The initial stages of retrieving line is by following the course of the line, rather than the direction of the fish even if the course takes you up current of the fish.

Fig 4

Fig 5

By heading directly to the fish at this stage may increase the fulcrum or pivot point which could well increase the chance of breaking the line even if you are using quite low drag settings. (Fig 5)

Once you have gained significant line and are relatively close to the fish, say approximately 100 yards, manoeuvre the boat back into position down current of the fish.

The Head Shake

Many species of fish will try and dislodge hooks by violently shaking their heads from side to side. This is a natural and very effective tactic by the fish. There are many things you can do to try and prevent the fish throwing the hooks, however none are very effective. The best you can hope for is try to keep line tight to the fish so that the stretch in the nylon and cushioning of the rod help to keep the hooks in, but not so much pressure that you aid the fish by pulling the hooks out. The amount of pressure that should be applied depends on how much line is between the angler and the fish and how much belly is in the line. The further away the fish is, the more pressure should be applied. The closer the fish the less pressure should be applied to the point that if the fish is very close, let the drag off and ‘bow the rod' to the fish.

Fish Pointed at Boat

Throughout the fight, you should never have the fish pointed directly at the boat. If it surges you will not be able to keep tight line to it. If it jumps, it has a good chance of throwing the hooks, if it is close to the boat it puts the whole crew in danger of getting impaled if the fish jumps.

Move the boat out of the way as quickly as possible if a fish is pointed at the boat. If this is done quickly the angler should back off the drag back to strike.

Jumping and Surging Fish

One of the most spectacular experiences in game and sportsfishing is a fish going ballistic on the surface. As the fish jumps the line is lifted out of the water which reduces the water drag on the line, however the speed of the fish as it re-enters may increase it significantly.

If the fish is jumping away from the angler reduce drag and bow the rod if the fish is surging.

If the fish is jumping at the boat, lift the rod tip to pull as much line out of the water and wind as fast as possible while the skipper drives the boat away. Both the angler and skipper should do their best to maintain tight line to the fish. (Vid 1)

Vid 1

If the fish is jumping or surging parallel with the boat increase drag to try and pull the belly out of the line to maintain pressure on the fish. If the line is tight, that is no belly, and surges are felt through the line, then back off the drag and bow the rod until you can regain control and resume smooth pumping and winding.